The one set free (Mark 15)

It just doesn't seem right that Jesus, the innocent religious leader, was sentenced to death while Barabbas, the notorious criminal, was released as a free man.  Where was the justice?  How could this be?  Doesn't your stomach just churn when you read those words of the people demanding that Barabbas should be set free?  I cringe at that moment, knowing that one who deserves death received life and that one who deserves life receives death.  But isn't that the reality of the Gospel for each person who trusts in Christ?  Those who deserve death actually receive life?  Just like Barabbas, we are set free from the punishment we deserve.  We have failed to live up to the standards set before us by God, and our offense is worthy of the worst kind of death.  In His mercy, however, God pronounces us worthy of life.  We are the ones set free, and Christ is the One who died in our places.  In the words of Max Lucado, "no wonder they call Him the Savior."